‘You Are Not Your Mistakes’
“She was one of the most disagreeable people I had ever met,” says paws4people Chairman and COO, Terry Henry, remembering his reaction to meeting Rebecca at Lakin Correctional Center, more than three years ago. Seeing her now with her earnest smile and a well-behaved puppy happily nestled in her lap, it’s hard to imagine the Rebecca he describes.
Over $45,000 Raised for Fragile X
Second Annual Fragile X Walk hopes to raise $50,000.
Families and friends of those with Fragile X gathered at Burke Lake Park last week to participate in the second annual Fragile X walk.
Group Assembly Proposal Could Limit Home Gatherings
Residents voice opposition to proposal at public meetings.
After a heated public meeting on a proposed change to the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance, which would limit gatherings of more than 49 people to three times in a 40--day period in a residential dwelling, Leslie Johnson, the zoning administrator for Fairfax County, told residents she doubts the proposal will go any further, based on the feedback that has been received.
Bringing Hope and Health to Lorton
Hope and Health Festival provides health information and screenings for area residents.
In the south county area, many residents have trouble receiving health care, says Linda Patterson, executive director of the Lorton Community Action Center. It was this struggle to access care that was behind the motivation for the Hope and Health Festival, a collaborative effort between the Lorton Community Action Center, South County Church, and the Lorton Library.
Landfill Decision Deferred to June 17
If approved by Board of Supervisors, Lorton landfill will operate until 2034.
Before a public hearing on May 13 in which over 99 people signed up before the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors regarding an application to extend the life of the Lorton landfill until 2034, Frank McDermott, an attorney representing EnviroSolutions, said he had never experienced such nastiness and misrepresentation in a land use case. The EnviroSolutions application to extend operation of their construction landfill until 2034 has led to controversy in the Lorton community and beyond. Despite months of debate, the decision was deferred by the Board of Supervisors to June 17.
Raising Awareness, Funds for Fragile X
Second Annual Fragile X Walk is May 17 at Burke Lake Park.
Throughout the United States, over 1,000,000 individuals are at risk of developing or already have a Fragile X disorder. Despite the numbers, many people still remain uneducated about Fragile X. The Fragile X Families of Northern Virginia are working to raise awareness and money for research and education on this syndrome with their second annual Fragile X walk, coming this Saturday, May 17 to Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station.
Celebrating 50 Years of Strong Community
Supervisor Cook honors Little Run Citizen’s Association.
With a strong neighborhood watch program, a 4th of July parade, and a hayride, the Little Run Citizen’s Association has had a productive 50 years.
‘Disguised Learning’ with Bricks 4 Kidz
Lorton residents use Legos to reinforce education, fun.
It’s no secret that kids love building with Legos. But the fun can also be educational, as Lorton residents Jenny and Paul Ahn have recently discovered. The Ahns have been integrating the fun of Legos with educational concepts since starting a Bricks 4 Kidz franchise in the area in March.
Riding for the Fallen
More than 100 officers cycle through Virginia, for cause.
Police officers from all over the country vowed to "ride for those who died" this week. Police Unity Tour Chapter IV - also known as the Virginia chapter - challenged officers on a three day bicycle tour from Richmond to D.C. in memory for fallen officers. Before the last stop at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the group of 122 officers and loved ones of fallen police stopped for lunch at McConnell Public Safety and Transportation Operations Center Monday in Fairfax as a tribute to the county most the officers served.
Northern Virginia Family Service Holds 16th Annual Gala
Local donors and supporters recognized at event.
The evening of Friday May 9 at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, the nonprofit Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) held their 16th Annual Road to Independence Gala. The festive event gave community and business leaders an opportunity to celebrate the impact of NVFS on families and children in need. It also recognized donors and supporters dedicated to giving back to the community in which they live making NVFS services possible.
Arts Competition Winners Honored
South County student Rachel Kim among the winners.
U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly announced the winners of the sixth annual 11th District Congressional Arts Competition on May 3. This year, a record number of submissions were received. Students from Fairfax County public schools received the top honors, including Mimi Shang of James Madison High School, Lizzie Wright of J.E.B. Staurt High School, Madison Phillips of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and Doi Kim of James Madison High School, and Rachel Kim of South County High School. According to Connolly, 184 students from Fairfax and Prince William County participated in the contest.
View Beautiful Clifton Homes
Clifton Homes Tour is May 15.
The Clifton Homes Tour and Marketplace, sponsored by the Clifton Community Woman’s Club, will be held on May 15. Net proceeds from the Clifton Homes Tour go to the organization’s charitable trust.
Enjoy a Classic Clifton Experience
17th Annual Clifton Caboose Twilight Run is May 17.
Gary Anderson, chairman of the Clifton Caboose Twilight Run, isn’t entirely sure why the run was originally chosen to take place at twilight. It was already a twilight run when he became chairman in 2005, and he liked it that way. “It’s a classic Clifton experience and is sure to be a great time,” Anderson said. The 17th Annual Clifton Caboose Twilight Run is May 17 at 6 p.m., and features a 5K and a one-mile fun run.
South County Senior Awarded Scholarship
Christian Canales will be first in his family to attend college.
For his work as a leader in the Hispanic community, South County High School senior Christian Canales has been awarded a $1,000 from the Fairfax County Hispanic Leadership Alliance. Canales will be attending James Madison University in the fall where he will study education, and plans to be a high school teacher. “I want to help others and be a teacher, and help guide kids in the right direction. I just want to do the same for others that my teacher did for me. A lot of families don’t put education first, but I believe if you’re not educated, you won’t have a successful life,” Canales said. Canales will be the first in his family to attend college, which he says is a huge deal for him. “It’s not a weight on my shoulder, but I have to set the example,” Canales said. “I think me going to school and trying to show my cousins and other family that you need to go to school. I’m like a role model to them. I want them to go by my example and continue their education.”
Balloon Test Shows Height of Proposed Landfill Application
Landfill public hearing is on May 13.
If the EnviroSolutions application to extend the life of the landfill in Lorton is approved by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on May 13, just how tall will the debris look to those from the ground? Just how tall is 395 feet, anyway? The proposed height was demonstrated to anyone within the general Lorton area on Friday, May 2, who could catch a glimpse of the landfill off of Interstate 95 and Furnace Road when a balloon test was conducted.